Rusty - I owe you something, just not sure what yet! Those pics are very much appreciated! I will say I would probably never get the Y3 as it does not fit the 'simulation I want', but it looks good enough I might need to find myself an excuse. 
Ben, nice - and encouraging. I will check the electronics I am hoping to use for sizes and I am definitely wanting to run dead rails.
I imagine to start I can even purchase an old used AF loco to get my parts and pieces for batteries and electronic boards selected and tested? Are they close enough to the newer items as far as dc motor wiring and internal space? Or am I hoping for too much?
